This semester, Penn State has been placed in a precarious position. As reported in the Collegian yesterday, state Rep. John Lawless expressed his objections to yet another program put on by students at Penn State.

The idea that Rep. Lawless' personal objections to the content of the programs may affect the university's appropriation is an affront to the principles and the mission of the university. These circumstances are even more troubling at a time when Penn State faces monumental tuition increases, which have resulted from decreasing financial support from the commonwealth.

We cannot and should not cancel or refrain from organizing such events under threat of fiscal repercussions. The university community is one that values the exchange of diverse viewpoints. It is a community that promotes education in and outside of the classroom. If we, as students, are expected to give up our pursuit to expand our minds or else risk losing the state support for our institution, which keeps our education affordable, we might as well be shut out of higher education all together.

Rep. Lawless is forcing Penn State students to choose between free speech and an affordable education. When faced with this choice, we must hold the intellectual enrichment of Penn State students above all else.